Police are issuing another warning to students to keep their doors and windows locked to avoid becoming a victim of burglary.
The number of student burglaries between August 2021 to October 22 was 37, with the majority happening around the city centre, Lenton and Arboretum area.
The city burglary team, based at St Ann’s Police Station, said the main items stolen are televisions and electronics like mobile phones and laptops.
Twenty percent of incidents had alcohol stolen, which could be that burglars knew that students would stock up at the start of the academic term.
Detective Inspector Chris Berryman, who leads the burglary team, said: “Seventy percent of incidents in September were down to an insecure entry such as open doors or windows.
“We are noticing that burglars are not just targeting student houses but also flats – 19 in total and seven halls of residence so this certainly isn’t a crime that is just occurring in house shares in Lenton and the Arboretum.
“Two burglaries occurred while students were having a party at their student accommodation and items were stolen during the course of the event.
“But this can easily be avoided if windows and doors are closed when you are not in your room or your property. Students will keep their coursework and dissertations on their laptops and could be putting their degrees at risk if this work is stolen.
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“Burglars want items they can sneak out of properties undetected which will not arouse suspicion and a laptop is prime pickings for them.”
Sixty-one percent of burglaries occurred by having open front doors while 28 percent occurred via open rear doors and 11 percent by open windows.
DI Berryman added: “The data shows that an offender is most likely to enter the front door of a student accommodation with the door being unlocked or even in one case, propped open with a vacuum cleaner.
“Lock all doors and windows when not in the property, asleep or otherwise occupied where an offender could walk in and take items.
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“Do not leave valuables/possessions in communal areas. A large number of occurrences showed a premises where the victim left property in a communal area such as the kitchen or living room; and had it taken. Students should store property in their bedrooms within their student accommodation.
“When purchasing and ordering something online, try to ensure that you will be able to receive the parcel in person to prevent the chance of the parcel being taken.
“Do not leave any valuables on show that could be seen by passing members of public – whether that be by closing curtains or removing valuables from sight. There are a number of occasions where items such as laptops were left on window sills which could have enticed the offenders.”
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